FOREST SCHOOL (1.5-5YRS)
Our weekly outdoor Forest School sessions are for toddlers and pre-schoolers, 1.5-5yrs old, accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian, and takes place in a private woodland site on the grounds of Gilbert White’s House, on both Wednesday and Thursday mornings between 10.30-12.00.
Forest School is a child-led learning approach which takes place in a natural, woodland environment, providing the opportunity for participants to explore, play and learn in a holistic manner, completely in the outdoors, and in all weathers. Forest School is a long term process, and our sessions are designed with nature connection at the heart of the programme, encouraging participants to cultivate a greater appreciation for the natural world.
The content of our weekly sessions change with the seasons, but will include opportunities to explore our woodland by participating in various nature based arts, crafts and creative play, games, imaginative play, den building, use of rope swings, ladders and slacklines, playing in the nature kitchen, and the introduction of simple woodcraft tools and basic fire craft. Forest School is, however, a child-led approach to learning, and the exact content and delivery of a programme will vary depending upon the needs and interests of the participants. Our Forest School sessions are also inspired by Reggio and Montessori pedagogies.
Our Forest School programme is also designed to support children in developing their motivation, physicality, gross and fine motor skills, the ability to manage risks, increasing confidence and independence, along with social and emotional development.
Our Forest School programmes also provide parents and children with the space and time to slow down, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life, but reconnect with themselves and each other, whilst surrounded by the calming influence of our woodland camp.
Our Forest School programmes run in half termly blocks (usually 6-7wks) and are booked as such.
Wednesdays: Our next block of Wednesday sessions begins on 17th April, bookable and paid for in a half term block - 6wks for this half term - The dates for this block are; April 17/24 & May 1/8/15/22 - The total cost for this block is £52.50 per child.
Thursdays: Our next block of Thursday sessions begins on 18th April, bookable and paid for in a half term block - 6wks for this half term - The dates for this block are; April 18/25 & May 2/9/16/23 - The total cost for this block is £52.50 per child.
Our groups are kept small to help foster a sense of community, provide plenty of space to play, and to facilitate greater access to and engagement with resources and materials during our sessions.
Please note, we can only accommodate a max. 1 accompanying adult per child during a session. Younger siblings (under 18 months old) can be accommodated for free.
To book, please use the link to our bookings page below, select the appropriate programme you wish to book for, and finalise the booking process, completing the consent form and processing payment.
A Parent/Guardian Handbook, including all relevant policies and info will be provided ahead of your first session.
Please do get in touch via our ‘Contact’ tab (or social media) if you have any questions or queries before making a booking..